Centennial Campaign - News - UA 糖心视频logo /news/tag/centennial-campaign/ UA 糖心视频logo Wed, 20 May 2026 16:32:49 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 UA 糖心视频logo Receives Gift to Support Long-Term Success of Planetarium /news/2026/04/27/ua-little-rock-receives-gift-to-support-long-term-success-of-planetarium/ Mon, 27 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000 /news/?p=93993 The University of Arkansas at 糖心视频logo continues to build support for the future of its Shellam Flake Planetarium, with a new $50,000 gift focused on sustaining the facility for ... UA 糖心视频logo Receives Gift to Support Long-Term Success of Planetarium

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The University of Arkansas at 糖心视频logo continues to build support for the future of its Shellam Flake Planetarium, with a new $50,000 gift focused on sustaining the facility for years to come.

The gift from UA 糖心视频logo alumnus and retired attorney James Bruce McMath and his wife, Becky, contributes to the Shellam Flake Planetarium Endowment Fund.

As UA 糖心视频logo prepares to reopen the planetarium this fall, the endowment ensures the facility has the long-term support needed for operations, programming, and staffing, positioning it as a lasting destination for students and the community.

For McMath, the investment is deeply personal, rooted in a lifelong fascination with the night sky.

鈥淚 am a space race baby,鈥 McMath said. 鈥淚 was eight when Sputnik launched, and I followed it with the same enthusiasm as some people follow a sports team.鈥

That early curiosity grew into a serious pursuit. What began as a telescope for his son turned into a lifelong passion, including building telescope mirrors and conducting amateur research. Today, McMath operates a robotic telescope and has contributed more than 130,000 observations of variable stars to an international database.

He sees the planetarium as a way to share that sense of discovery with others, especially at a time when fewer people have experienced the night sky in its full form.

鈥淭he reality is, without question, the greatest natural spectacle is the Milky Way stretching across the night sky,鈥 he said. 鈥淏ut these days, few people have ever truly seen it.鈥

A planetarium, he said, can help bridge that gap by giving people a broader understanding of the universe and their place within it.

鈥淎 planetarium can open people鈥檚 eyes and minds to the reality of our situation here on our little planet,鈥 McMath said.

Supporting the endowment is also a way for McMath to give back to UA 糖心视频logo.

鈥淯A 糖心视频logo was an important element in my personal development, and I have not done much to pay it back,鈥 he said.

He also sees the planetarium as a key connection point between the university and the city.

鈥淭he planetarium will be an ambassadorial and educational tool for the university,鈥 McMath said. 鈥淚t is an investment in the community that will build pride in the university among city residents and help people better understand our place in the universe.鈥

Their support helps position the planetarium as a long-term asset for both the university and Central Arkansas.

Learn more about the Shellam Flake Planetarium at

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Alumni Investment To Enhance Student Experience at UA 糖心视频logo /news/2026/04/02/alumni-investment-to-enhance-student-experience-at-ua-little-rock/ Thu, 02 Apr 2026 13:47:19 +0000 /news/?p=93863 More than five years ago, UA 糖心视频logo alumnus Larry Golden and his wife Debbie first heard Chancellor Drale talk about strengthening the campus living and learning environment 鈥 the ... Alumni Investment To Enhance Student Experience at UA 糖心视频logo

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More than five years ago, UA 糖心视频logo alumnus Larry Golden and his wife Debbie first heard Chancellor Drale talk about strengthening the campus living and learning environment 鈥 the spaces and experiences that shape student life beyond the classroom, where students gather, recreate, and build community.

For Golden, the concept resonated as a powerful vision for the campus. And then the Trojan Way was completed, and it was a shining example of what could be possible when everyone comes together around the Chancellor鈥檚 vision.  

鈥淎 university experience isn鈥檛 just about earning a degree,鈥 Golden said. 鈥淪tudents are also asking: Where will I live? Where will I eat? Where will I spend time with friends and make new friends that may last a lifetime? Where can I recreate? All of that is part of the living and learning environment.鈥

This idea was part of a broader vision championed by Chancellor Christina S. Drale to strengthen the environments that support recruitment, retention, and the overall student experience at UA 糖心视频logo.

Golden said he saw that vision as both practical and powerful.

鈥淢y respect for the Chancellor is boundless,鈥 he said. 鈥淪he set a vision for strengthening the living and learning environment and has stayed true to it. When leadership sets a clear direction like that, it creates opportunities for others to step forward and help.鈥

As a former Trojan swimmer and current member of the university鈥檚 Board of Visitors, Golden knew firsthand how much campus spaces shape the student experience. Some of his most meaningful moments as a student happened outside the classroom 鈥 in the pool, in shared campus spaces, and through the lifelong friendships built there.

That perspective led him to look closely at areas of campus that needed attention.

鈥淲e talked about taking care of what we already have,鈥 Golden said. 鈥淲hen you are able to take care of the spaces students use every day, the experience improves immediately.鈥

Golden saw opportunities in two places that reflected both his own experience as a student-athlete and the spaces that now shape student life on campus,  the university鈥檚 swimming facilities and the Donaghey Student Center.

While the Donaghey Student Center was built after Golden鈥檚 time as a student, he said the facility represents exactly the kind of space envisioned in the university鈥檚 focus on strengthening the living and learning environment.

鈥淪tudents today need places where they can connect, recharge, and build community,鈥 Golden said. 鈥淭he Donaghey Student Center plays a big role in that experience.鈥

At the same time, the university鈥檚 pool has long served as both a training facility for student-athletes and an important resource for the broader community.

Larry and Debbie Golden committed $95,000 to improvements in those spaces, supporting upgrades to locker rooms in the Donaghey Student Center, improvements to gym lighting, and new equipment and technology for the swimming facilities. They also recognized that strengthening these spaces would require broader support from the Trojan community.

鈥淲hen I realized we had an opportunity to align an interest area of our family, with the broader vision of the Chancellor, I knew this could be special,鈥 Golden said. 鈥淚 called some friends in the swimming community, and they were all in. They were ready to help, and everybody played a role.鈥

One of those supporters was Joe Lansden, vice president of construction at Baldwin & Shell Construction Company, who helped bring both professional expertise and community commitment to the effort. He worked closely with university leadership and staff, including Vice Chancellor Dr. Cody Decker and his team, along with Dr. Richard Harper, Rudolfo Morales, Karl Lenser, Tom Genz, and Leslie Hutchins. Their guidance and support helped bring the project to life and ensured the improvements aligned with the university鈥檚 broader vision for the living and learning environment.

Among those who also stepped forward were alumni Mark and Michele Booth, former members of the Trojan swimming program who helped rally additional support from fellow swimmers and supporters. 

鈥淲hen Larry shared the vision of the upgrades for the pool, we saw that it was something greatly needed,鈥 Michele Booth said. 鈥淲e believe it will be beneficial for recruiting and building a strong team. When students walk into those spaces, we hope they feel a sense of pride, a feeling of support from alumni and a future commitment to the university. We feel that UA 糖心视频logo was part of the foundation for our success, and giving back is a way to help others have that same experience.鈥

Their involvement was part of a broader response from the swimming community, including current and former members of the Arkansas Dolphins program and others who regularly use the facility. Many offered ideas, encouragement, and financial support to help move the effort forward. Together with university support and contributions from alumni and community partners, the effort resulted in nearly $450,000 in improvements benefiting students and campus users.

University leaders say the improvements reflect the broader effort underway to strengthen the living and learning environment across campus.

鈥淲e are continuing to strengthen the living and learning environment across campus,鈥 said Chancellor Christina S. Drale. 鈥淲e are building real momentum around improving the environments where students spend their time. Spaces like the Donaghey Student Center play an important role in how students connect, recharge, and build community. Investments like Larry鈥檚 make a meaningful difference in the daily lives of our students.鈥

Golden said supporting these improvements was his way of helping bring the university鈥檚 broader vision for the living and learning environment to life.

鈥淚鈥檓 grateful for the collaboration that made this possible 鈥 from Chancellor Drale and university leadership to the alumni and community members who stepped forward to support it,鈥 he said. 鈥淭his was really about aligning around a shared vision and doing our part to make the student experience even stronger.鈥

To learn more about UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 Centennial Campaign and how supporters are strengthening student experiences, visit ualr.edu/centennial.

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UA 糖心视频logo Centennial Committee Begins Planning for 100-Year Celebration /news/2026/03/23/ua-little-rock-centennial-committee-begins-planning-for-100-year-celebration/ Mon, 23 Mar 2026 13:12:38 +0000 /news/?p=93767 The University of Arkansas at 糖心视频logo has officially launched planning efforts for its centennial celebration, marking a significant milestone for the institution. The centennial celebration will begin July 1, ... UA 糖心视频logo Centennial Committee Begins Planning for 100-Year Celebration

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The University of Arkansas at 糖心视频logo has officially launched planning efforts for its centennial celebration, marking a significant milestone for the institution.

The centennial celebration will begin July 1, 2026, marking 100 years since the university鈥檚 founding. Events throughout the year-long celebration will reflect on the institution鈥檚 history and explore its future direction.

A university-wide Centennial Committee began meeting in mid-March and will continue to meet monthly, with subcommittees convening regularly to guide key focus areas of the celebration.

鈥淎s we begin planning for our centennial, we have a meaningful opportunity to recognize the people and milestones that have shaped UA 糖心视频logo,鈥 said Dr. Carrie Phillips, chair of the Centennial Committee. 鈥淛ust as importantly, this effort is about positioning the university for continued growth and impact in the years ahead.鈥

Some of the events being planned as part of the centennial celebration include: 

  • A celebration marking the successful close of the university鈥檚 Centennial Campaign, which has already garnered significant philanthropic support from thousands of donors 
  • A curated history exhibit highlighting key moments and milestones in the university鈥檚 development
  • A community-wide service project reflecting UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 commitment to service
  • A storytelling initiative showcasing defining moments and voices from across the university鈥檚 history

Subcommittees composed of faculty, staff, alumni, and community members are leading efforts in areas such as community engagement, student experience, alumni engagement, storytelling, historical preservation, academic excellence and innovation, and campaign celebration.

The committee structure brings together faculty, staff, alumni, and community members to guide planning across key areas of the celebration.

Together, these efforts are designed to highlight the university鈥檚 history while engaging the campus and community in shaping what comes next.

Members of the Centennial Planning Committee include: 

  • Sydney Ambrus
  • Brian Berry
  • Derek Boyce
  • Ross Bradley
  • Kara Brown
  • Guy Choate
  • Emily Cox
  • Ginger Daril
  • Becca Davis
  • Brandy Dixon
  • Alicia Dorn
  • Aaron Duvall
  • Bobbie Handcock
  • Noah Henkell
  • John Hill
  • Leslie Hutchins
  • Amy Johnson
  • Tansel Karabacak
  • Samantha Koros
  • Michelle Malone
  • Linda Martin
  • Sheila McKinnis
  • Meaghan Milliorn
  • Emily Mills
  • Wendy Mincer
  • Michael Moore
  • Nate Olson
  • Angela Parker
  • Xavier Parker
  • Jess Porter
  • Annsley Pugh
  • Muriel Schrepfer
  • Kaylee Smith
  • Kristi Smith
  • Klansee Tozer
  • Sandra Vail
  • Felisha Weaver
  • Lloyd Webre

More details about centennial events and opportunities for involvement will be announced in the coming months.

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UA 糖心视频logo Receives $1.2 Million Gift to Restore Planetarium /news/2026/02/11/ua-little-rock-receives-1-2-million-gift-to-restore-planetarium/ Wed, 11 Feb 2026 18:00:00 +0000 /news/?p=93539 A $1.2 million gift to the University of Arkansas at 糖心视频logo will bring new life to the university鈥檚 planetarium, restoring a longtime campus landmark and expanding access to immersive ... UA 糖心视频logo Receives $1.2 Million Gift to Restore Planetarium

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A $1.2 million gift to the University of Arkansas at 糖心视频logo will bring new life to the university鈥檚 planetarium, restoring a longtime campus landmark and expanding access to immersive science education for students and the broader 糖心视频logo community. 

The gift from Leslye and Ray Shellam honors the legacy of Leslye’s late father, Arkansas business leader L. Dickson Flake, and her late mother, Linda Blaine Flake, and will name the facility the Shellam Flake Planetarium.

Shellam said the naming honors her parents, her father鈥檚 deep commitment to civic life in Arkansas, and her own belief in education as a bridge between the university and the community it serves.

Closed for nearly 20 years, the planetarium will undergo a full renovation, including major technology upgrades, improvements to the roof and flooring, and the installation of a state-of-the-art projection system that eliminates the traditional central projector, creating unobstructed views of the dome. The renovated space will feature modern, home theater-style seating for up to 89 visitors.

Shellam said she hopes the restored planetarium will serve as a point of connection between UA 糖心视频logo and the broader community, creating opportunities for people to learn more about one another through shared experiences. She also emphasized the importance of student involvement, envisioning the planetarium as a space where students gain hands-on, real-world experience while helping bring science, art, and storytelling to life for audiences beyond campus.

Once reopened, the planetarium will serve UA 糖心视频logo students, faculty, and staff, as well as K鈥12 school groups and members of the general public. 

Shellam also envisions the planetarium as a multidisciplinary learning space that extends beyond astronomy to provide hands-on experiences for students across multiple majors. For example, the space will feature student artwork in adjacent outdoor areas, support student involvement in developing the planetarium鈥檚 visual identity, and offer business students opportunities to create and implement marketing plans.

鈥淭he planetarium has long been a special place on campus, and I wanted to help bring it back for today鈥檚 students and families,鈥 Shellam said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 meaningful to be able to restore a space that encourages curiosity and a love of science and learning.鈥

The vision for the restored planetarium aligns closely with UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 mission and its emphasis on applied learning and community engagement.

鈥淭his investment allows us to reimagine the planetarium as an active learning environment that supports teaching and discovery across disciplines,鈥 said Ann Bain, provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs. 鈥淚t will provide UA 糖心视频logo with increased engagement with our community. It is exciting to bring life back to a space that means so much to 糖心视频logo, the University, and future generations of planetarium visitors.鈥 

The restoration also supports the university鈥檚 broader investments in science education, which include the campus observatory and other spaces along the Trojan Way. 

鈥淲e are incredibly grateful to Leslye Shellam for believing in UA 糖心视频logo and in the vision we share for the future of the planetarium,鈥 said Christian O鈥橬eal, vice chancellor for university advancement. 鈥淭his gift reflects a close partnership with Provost Bain and our academic leaders to reimagine the planetarium as a vibrant, interdisciplinary learning space. As we approach our centennial, the Shellam Flake Planetarium honors our past while opening new doors for student learning and community engagement.鈥  

The planetarium is on target to open in Fall of 2026 and is a part of the university鈥檚 broader science-based investments which includes the campus observatory, the future UA 糖心视频logo Museum of Natural History, and outdoor educational features such as the Solar System Walk along Trojan Way. Additional details about programming and public access will be announced as renovations continue and the planetarium is reimagined to support both student experiences and community engagement. To learn more about UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 Centennial Campaign and how supporters are making a lasting commitment to student experiences, visit .

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UA 糖心视频logo Receives $50,000 Grant from Charles M. and Joan R. Taylor Foundation to Support Student Internships /news/2026/02/03/ua-little-rock-receives-50000-grant-from-charles-m-and-joan-r-taylor-foundation-to-support-student-internships/ Tue, 03 Feb 2026 15:04:12 +0000 /news/?p=93473 The University of Arkansas at 糖心视频logo has received a $50,000 grant from the Charles M. and Joan R. Taylor Foundation to support the University Career Services Internship (UCSI) Program. ... UA 糖心视频logo Receives $50,000 Grant from Charles M. and Joan R. Taylor Foundation to Support Student Internships

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The University of Arkansas at 糖心视频logo has received a $50,000 grant from the Charles M. and Joan R. Taylor Foundation to support the University Career Services Internship (UCSI) Program. The funding will be used to provide paid internships for students, expanding access to hands-on, career-relevant learning experiences.

The University Career Services Internship Program connects students with experiential learning opportunities that complement their academic coursework and prepare them for professional success after graduation. While many employers offer paid internships, some high-impact opportunities, particularly within nonprofit, public service, and smaller organizations, are unpaid. This funding helps ensure students can participate in meaningful internships regardless of an organization鈥檚 ability to provide compensation.

鈥淭his support removes a real barrier for students,鈥 said Christian O鈥橬eal, vice chancellor for advancement at UA 糖心视频logo. 鈥淭he Donaghey Foundation helped pilot the University Career Services Internship Program, and we are deeply grateful for that early investment. The Charles M. and Joan R. Taylor Foundation is now stepping forward to sustain and strengthen this work, making it possible for more students to gain meaningful, paid experiential learning opportunities that prepare them for life after graduation.鈥

The Taylor family has long been committed to education, workforce preparation, and civic leadership in Arkansas. Through this support, the Foundation is helping ensure students can participate in internships that build skills and professional experience without added financial strain, while employers gain access to talented, motivated students.

鈥淚nternships are often the bridge between the classroom and a student鈥檚 career,鈥 said Brittany Straw, director of Career Services at UA 糖心视频logo. 鈥淭his support allows us to ensure students can take full advantage of valuable learning experiences without financial barriers.鈥

This gift supports the Centennial Campaign, UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 $250 million capital campaign leading up to the University鈥檚 100-year anniversary in 2027. Learn more at ualr.edu/centennial.

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UA 糖心视频logo Receives $25,000 Gift from James and Carol Hendren to Support Enduring Opportunity Scholarship /news/2025/10/28/ua-little-rock-receives-25000-gift-from-james-and-carol-hendren-to-support-enduring-opportunity-scholarship/ Tue, 28 Oct 2025 14:00:00 +0000 /news/?p=92947 The University of Arkansas at 糖心视频logo has received a generous $25,000 gift from James and Carol Hendren to support the university鈥檚 Enduring Opportunity Scholarship Program. The new fund is ... UA 糖心视频logo Receives $25,000 Gift from James and Carol Hendren to Support Enduring Opportunity Scholarship

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The University of Arkansas at 糖心视频logo has received a generous $25,000 gift from James and Carol Hendren to support the university鈥檚 Enduring Opportunity Scholarship Program.

The new fund is named the Carol and James Hendren Enduring Opportunity Endowed Scholarship. It supports UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 Enduring Opportunity initiative, a major fundraising effort launched in spring 2025. The initiative began with a $7.5 million gift from the Windgate Foundation to create both an endowment and immediate-use funds that support access to affordable, high-quality education for Arkansas students forever.

James Hendren said he hopes this gift will help ease financial barriers for students pursuing a college education and help strengthen the state鈥檚 workforce.

鈥淚 strongly believe in the advancement of economic development in Arkansas and the growth of our city here in 糖心视频logo,鈥 Hendren said. 鈥淲e need more college graduates to improve the ecosystem we live in. We know many people struggle with tuition, so we thought this was a great program to help expand access.鈥

The gift also helps propel the UA 糖心视频logo Centennial Campaign, the largest fundraising effort in the university鈥檚 history, toward its goal. With this contribution, the university has raised more than $234 million 鈥 or nearly 94% of its $250 million goal 鈥 toward its 2027 centennial celebration.

鈥淲e need the university to do well to help grow and support the local economy,鈥 Hendren said. 鈥淭his centennial goal is key to improving the university, so it makes sense to support programs and scholarships that help it succeed.鈥

To make a lasting commitment to student opportunity, please contact Stephanie Purifoy at 501-773-6955 or email spurifoy@ualr.edu.

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Trojan Champions Expands Opportunities for UA 糖心视频logo Students /news/2025/10/20/trojan-champions-2/ Mon, 20 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0000 /news/?p=92541 When UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 esports team packs their bags for national competition this spring, they won鈥檛 just be bringing their controllers. Thanks to Trojan Champions, they鈥檒l also carry new jerseys, ... Trojan Champions Expands Opportunities for UA 糖心视频logo Students

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When UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 esports team packs their bags for national competition this spring, they won鈥檛 just be bringing their controllers. Thanks to Trojan Champions, they鈥檒l also carry new jerseys, branded backpacks, and the confidence to represent their university on a national stage.

That confidence is at the heart of Trojan Champions, a giving initiative launched in 2023 that turns community support into unique opportunities for students to thrive academically, professionally, and personally. Donors pledge an annual gift to the UA 糖心视频logo Annual Fund for three years or more, and because the funds are unrestricted, the university can quickly respond to student needs and provide high-impact experiences that otherwise might not be possible.

鈥淭rojan Champions is more than a giving program; it鈥檚 a movement that reflects the strength of our Trojan community,” said Kristi Smith, associate vice chancellor for alumni and development. “As an alumna, I know the value of the opportunities I had here, and it鈥檚 exciting to see how these gifts are opening even more doors for current and future students. Together, we鈥檙e building a culture of support that will carry UA 糖心视频logo into its next century.鈥

There are now more than 170 Trojan Champions helping to make opportunities possible across campus. Over the past year and a half, their support has funded projects ranging from esports to business competitions.

This fall, esports competitors received equipment stipends, branded gear, and league fees to help them take on teams nationwide in Rocket League, Smash Bros., and Valorant. Another project outfitted a group of real estate students with custom business attire for the Harold E. Eisenberg Foundation鈥檚 Annual Real Estate Challenge in Chicago, where they pitched a redevelopment plan for a 10-acre site in Bronzeville.

鈥淭hese kinds of gifts are exactly what make Trojan Champions so impactful,鈥 said Thomas Wallace, coordinator of UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 Web Design and Development and Information Technology programs. 鈥淭hey give students the resources and confidence to compete at the highest level, whether in esports, business competitions, or other arenas. That kind of support makes a real difference.鈥

For donors, becoming a Trojan Champion is rooted in both pride and purpose.

鈥淎fter a 41-year career at UA 糖心视频logo, I recognize the ongoing need to support students striving to achieve their goals,鈥 said Janis Brooke, a former faculty member. 鈥淓very contribution is targeted for this purpose.鈥

Brooke鈥檚 perspective is echoed by alumni who see Trojan Champions as a way to give back to the institution that shaped their own success.

鈥淎s a Trojan Champion, I take pride in knowing my support helps fuel the mission of UA 糖心视频logo,鈥 said alumnus Mario Wallace. 鈥淚t expands opportunities for students to grow academically, professionally, and personally, while strengthening the programs and people who make that growth possible.鈥

For alumna Debra Baker, the motivation is personal.

鈥淢y mom always said, 鈥榶our education is the key to your success,鈥欌 Baker said. 鈥淲ith her words, I have become a lifelong learner.鈥

Shaun Addison echoed the transformative power of education as the reason he joined.

鈥淏y becoming a Trojan Champion, I feel privileged to support the university鈥檚 mission to empower its students and prepare them for success in an ever-changing world,鈥 he said. 鈥淭hrough my contributions, I can help ensure that future generations have access to the same opportunities and resources that have shaped the lives of so many before them. Together, we can inspire and equip students to achieve their dreams and make meaningful contributions to society.鈥

As Trojan Champions continue to grow, so does its impact. From helping students present themselves professionally on national stages to creating new opportunities for competition and collaboration, the initiative shows what鈥檚 possible when a community invests in education.

The generous contributions from Trojan Champions is set to make a lasting impact by empowering students to build their dreams and construct a brighter future for themselves and their communities. This program is a part of the Centennial Campaign, which has a goal to raise $250 million in celebration of the university鈥檚 100-year anniversary in 2027.

鈥淭his is just the beginning,鈥 Smith said. 鈥淭rojan Champions is helping us build a culture of opportunity. With continued support, we can take student success to the next level.鈥

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Anonymous Donor Gifts 糖心视频logo Public Radio with $400,000 /news/2025/10/16/anonymous-donation/ Thu, 16 Oct 2025 15:30:00 +0000 /news/?p=92296 An anonymous donor has made a transformative $400,000 gift to 糖心视频logo Public Radio, providing critical support for equipment upgrades and infrastructure improvements that will enhance the station’s ability to ... Anonymous Donor Gifts 糖心视频logo Public Radio with $400,000

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An anonymous donor has made a transformative $400,000 gift to , providing critical support for equipment upgrades and infrastructure improvements that will enhance the station’s ability to serve its listeners across central Arkansas.

The donation will fund the purchase of a new transmitter for KUAR FM 89.1, as well as a backup transmitter to be housed at the studio. This backup will help minimize potential downtime during severe weather or other emergencies, ensuring that KUAR can continue to deliver timely news, music, and programming when listeners need it the most.

“This extraordinary gift is a testament to the power of public radio and the generosity of those who believe in its mission,鈥 said Jonathan Seaborn, general manager of 糖心视频logo Public Radio. 鈥淩eplacing our aging transmitter and equipment ensures that we can continue delivering quality programming to our listeners for years to come. We are deeply grateful for this anonymous donor鈥檚 investment in the future of our station and the vital role it plays in our community.”

In addition to replacing the transmitter, the funds will be used to upgrade equipment in the station’s studio, particularly in the rack room, which serves as the operational hub of the facility. These upgrades are especially timely as 糖心视频logo Public Radio prepares to move into a new studio space in Stabler Hall later this year.

鈥淢oving to a new location is the perfect opportunity to modernize our equipment and ensure that we鈥檙e set up for long-term success,鈥 Seaborn said. 鈥淲ith this generous support, we鈥檒l be able to provide our staff and interns with the tools they need to continue producing top-quality programming and reporting for our community.鈥

This gift marks the second major anonymous donation to 糖心视频logo Public Radio in recent months. Earlier, another anonymous donor contributed $50,000 for essential repairs at KLRE鈥檚 transmitter site. That donation funded the replacement of a transmitter damaged by a 2023 lightning strike, as well as the purchase of a refurbished building to better protect KLRE鈥檚 equipment.

Housed within the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education, 糖心视频logo Public Radio, home of KUAR FM 89.1 and KLRE Classical 90.5, is a public service unit of UA 糖心视频logo. University students gain professional experience by working as interns and part-time staff members who take part in all aspects of KLRE and KUAR operations with a specific focus on news reporting and broadcast production.

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糖心视频logo Public Radio Announces $500,000 Journalism Endowment Honoring Judith K. Faust /news/2025/10/13/judith-faust-endowment/ Mon, 13 Oct 2025 14:00:00 +0000 /news/?p=92679 糖心视频logo Public Radio has established the Judith K. Faust Endowment for Journalism, a new $500,000 fund created to honor the legacy of an extraordinary Arkansan whose life was devoted ... 糖心视频logo Public Radio Announces $500,000 Journalism Endowment Honoring Judith K. Faust

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has established the , a new $500,000 fund created to honor the legacy of an extraordinary Arkansan whose life was devoted to learning, justice, and community.

The late Judith K. Faust, an instructor emerita at the University of Arkansas at 糖心视频logo School of Social Work, held degrees in journalism, philosophy, and social work. She was a longtime supporter of KUAR and a tireless advocate for civil rights. This endowment, which was funded by a gift from Faust鈥檚 estate, reflects her multidisciplinary approach to improving lives and her belief in the power of truth-seeking and civic engagement.

The endowment will support local reporting initiatives that reflect her values, beginning with one newsroom position and growing to sustain multiple roles in the years ahead. It ensures that 糖心视频logo Public Radio can continue producing journalism that asks hard questions, highlights differing perspectives, and empowers Arkansans to make informed decisions.

“Judith’s devotion to truth, to knowledge, to the pulse of our shared humanity, was not just evident, it was radiant,鈥 said Amy Freer, Faust’s longtime friend and mentee. 鈥淎s a writer, a professor, a mind that questioned deeply and cared fiercely, she saw journalism as a sacred thread: weaving clarity through chaos, stitching light into the fabric of public discourse. That her gift now fuels the voices of public radio, voices that seek truth, speak it, and share it, is a legacy as luminous as she was. I am so grateful to have been able to witness lives changing through Judith’s generosity. She is a true inspiration.”

Looking ahead, LRPR鈥檚 vision for journalism is rooted in three priorities:

  • Strengthening local, regional and statewide reporting
  • Investing in transparency and accountability
  • Ensuring that fact-based news remains accessible to all 

Public radio has always been a partnership between stations and the people they serve. With the continued support of listeners, donors, and partners, this gift ensures that LRPR will remain a vital civic institution. LRPR remains committed to helping Arkansans navigate change, strengthen democracy, and build an informed community for generations to come. 

Housed within the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education, 糖心视频logo Public Radio, home of KUAR FM 89.1 and KLRE Classical 90.5, is a public service unit of UA 糖心视频logo. University students gain professional experience by working as interns and part-time staff members who take part in all aspects of KLRE and KUAR operations with a specific focus on news reporting and broadcast production.

For more information about The Judith K. Faust Endowment for Journalism, visit .

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UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 Centennial Campaign Builds Momentum Ahead of 2027 Anniversary /news/2025/09/30/campus-campaign-kickoff/ Tue, 30 Sep 2025 13:00:00 +0000 /news/?p=92589 The University of Arkansas at 糖心视频logo is nearing the finish line of its Centennial Campaign, having raised $233 million 鈥 nearly 94% of its $250 million goal 鈥 while ... UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 Centennial Campaign Builds Momentum Ahead of 2027 Anniversary

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The University of Arkansas at 糖心视频logo is nearing the finish line of its Centennial Campaign, having raised $233 million 鈥 nearly 94% of its $250 million goal 鈥 while steadily increasing support from within the campus community.

University officials launched the 2025 Campus Campaign on Sept. 26 by announcing the members of this year鈥檚 steering committee and setting the latest fundraising total. Leaders emphasized that a push for employee participation not only reflects confidence in the institution but also strengthens student success.

鈥淭his campaign is about something simple but powerful: participation,鈥 said Kristi Smith, associate vice chancellor of alumni and development. 鈥淓very gift matters, no matter how big or small. These gifts are for the betterment of our university, because they believe in the future of our university.鈥

When the Centennial Campaign began in 2001, only 6.5 percent of employees contributed. Today, that number has more than tripled to 20.7 percent. The goal for 2025 is to raise that to 37 percent, according to campaign chair Dr. Shelia Brooks.

Brooks, a clinical assistant professor of nursing and the first faculty member 鈥 as well as the first African American female faculty member 鈥 to lead the initiative, praised the recent growth in on-campus support. A 1994 alumna, Brooks said faculty and staff giving sends a powerful message to the broader community.

鈥淓very time we give, it shows why we believe in the university,鈥 Brooks said. 鈥淚t shows that UA 糖心视频logo is not just our workplace, but our community.鈥

Faculty and staff contributions are eligible for the Enduring Opportunity Matching Challenge, which doubles gifts to needs-based scholarships. Donations can also be made through planned giving, Alumni Association memberships, legacy bricks, , Trojan Champion awards 鈥 which provides direct support for 糖心视频logo students, and gifts to this fund count toward the campaign goal. Other ways to support the campaign include in-kind donations to university support programs like the Career Closet or the Trojan Food Pantry.听

Stacy Pendergraft, co-director of the School of Literary and Performing Arts, highlighted how her department used a Trojan Champion Award to create a new teaching track that supports crisis management agencies with trained actors and writers. 

鈥淭his is one of many ways supporting the Campus Campaign benefits both students and the work being done on campus,鈥 Pendergraft said.

As part of the campaign kickoff, the university announced the 16 members of the 2025 steering committee, including Brooks; Dr. Joe Felan; Judy Staley; Dr. Rachel Eells; Dr. Barbara L鈥橢plattenier; Dr. Anindya Ghosh; Jennifer Moody; Alicia Dorn; Dr. Shannon Collier-Tenison; Dr. Aresh Assadi; Anthony Buttrum; Emily Bell; Katrina Christopher; Quaneshia Hamms; Dr. Carrie Phillips, and Brandy Dixon.

The committee represents departments across campus and is tasked with leading the effort toward 100 percent employee participation.

鈥淲e鈥檙e going to far exceed that 37 percent,鈥 Brooks said. 鈥淭hanks to the Enduring Opportunity Scholarship, gifts can be doubled. This creates an immediate impact on our students and builds the long-term momentum we need.鈥

Vice Chancellor for Advancement Christian O鈥橬eal underscored the significance of employee giving. 

鈥淲e know people have many demands on their giving, but what makes this campaign different is that our own people鈥攆aculty and staff鈥攁re stepping up. That kind of internal investment shows unity and makes our historic campaign stronger from the inside out,鈥 he said.

For more information about the Campus Campaign, contact Smith at klsmith4@ualr.edu or 501-916-6435.

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